Durango City Council members and La Plata County commissioners in Colorado have allocated $70,000 for a strategic plan to guide a response to homelessness as their 2020 budgets are developed. Peter Tregillus, who previously chaired the Durango Planning Commission, said a plan should ideally contain detailed data, as well as short- and long-term goals.

The Alamance County, N.C., Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to put stickers with the phrase "In God We Trust," possibly funded by private donors, on vehicles in its fleet except for sheriffs' cruisers, which already have such stickers. Constituent Anthony Crider said, "I'm here to ask you and to tell you, please do not," in public testimony.

Regional surveys reveal public awareness of pollinators but also that many people are unsure how they can help, writes Michele White of the National Recreation and Park Association, which has created the Parks for Pollinators program. "Park and recreation agencies have an opportunity to effect real change in their communities regarding saving pollinators by educating members of the public about what they can personally do to help pollinators thrive," she writes.

Data from the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism shows tourism is a $22.6 billion industry, breaking records. State parks brought in more than $30 million, or almost 99% of costs.

State parks in Texas are a financial boon to local communities, according to a survey by Texas A&M University that was commissioned by the Texas Coalition for Conservation. "Many people don't see state parks to be tourism attractions, but they are," says Texas A&M professor John Crompton.

Vestavia Hills, Ala., has joined with the Coach Safely Foundation to develop a safety training program for youth sports coaches and volunteers. "The Coach Safely Training Course will be the nationwide norm one day, and Vestavia Hills will have been at the forefront of taking a proactive approach to not only preserving the youth sports experience, but enhancing it," said City Councilman Rusty Weaver.

The Tomkins Cove Quarry in Stony Point, N.Y., could be returned to its natural state under a proposal by land reclamation firm Hudson River Resources. "We'd shape the surface and then plant it with native trees, shrubs and plants to create an upland habitat that would serve native and migratory wildlife," said executive Daniel Walsh.

An open-streets concept in which city thoroughfares are periodically closed to vehicles may help resolve areas known as "play deserts," which are more than a 10-minute walk away from a park or playground, according to Plant Five for Life Director Christine Graziano. "As I watch the evolution of the block party from a simple road closure to a tighter community, I can't help but wonder how our neighborhoods can benefit if we rethink our streets," she writes.

Wheeling, W.Va., officials will build a park on Wheeling Island that pays homage to the Wheeling Suspension Bridge, with the Fitzsimmons Family Foundation putting $150,000 toward the $1.9 million expected cost. "It's very important for us to pursue available grants, other foundations, things like that to really make things move forward," said Jesse Mestrovic, the city's parks and recreation director.

Seven municipalities in Winnebago County, Ill., have agreed to help pay for 9-1-1 services, in addition to a park and a village that were already contributing. "We don't care about political fiefdoms, budget deficits or the color of the squad car that's dispatched," wrote the editorial board of the Rockford Register Star, commending the agreement.